PBA D-League: Flying V guns for win No. 4 against Marinerong Pilipino

Thomas Torres and the rest of Flying V are gunning for a fourth straight win in the PBA D-League. PBA Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – Flying V stakes its unblemished record against Marinerong Pilipino when the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup returns on Monday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Coming off a 13-day break, the Thunder will try to shake off the rust and continue their winning ways as they are the only unbeaten team in the tournament at 3-0.

For Flying V coach Eric Altamirano, the game against the Skippers (1-2) is just the first of a tough stretch for the Thunder midway through the tournament.

“The next three games will be very tough for us,” he said. “We’ll face Marinero, Racal, and Tanduay, so we’ll use this time to prepare and continue being sharp.”

“Hopefully, hindi kami maging rusty,” he added.

One interesting subplot in the game is Thunder forward Gab Banal’s personal battle against his father Joey and uncle Koy, who are at the helm for Marinerong Pilipino.

However, the young Banal said he does not want to put too much focus on the familiar faces on the opposing sidelines, as he would rather contribute to his team’s cause.

“I’ll just treat them as a normal team,” said Banal.

“If I take it personally, I’ll lose focus, so I might as well treat them as a normal team and get that fourth win,” he explained. “They know what I can do, so I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing, and form there, I’ll adjust.”

Game time is at 5 p.m.

At 3 p.m., Racal (2-1) and Wangs Basketball (2-2) face off, with the Alibaba seeking to get back on the winning side after absorbing a 93-85 loss at the hands of Cignal for their first setback of the tournament.

The Couriers, meanwhile, are looking to build on an 88-86 win over Gamboa Coffee Mix last week.